Homeowners throughout Nebraska are turning to vertical siding for its striking appearance and impressive durability, especially when made from long-lasting materials like steel. At ABC Seamless of Nebraska, we specialize in providing high-quality vertical siding options that elevate curb appeal while standing up to the Midwest’s unpredictable weather. Whether you’re considering a full exterior remodel or just exploring fresh siding ideas, here’s what you need to know about vertical siding.
What Are The Advantages of Vertical Siding vs Horizontal?
Unique Aesthetic Appeal
Vertical siding creates a distinctive, modern look that can set a home apart. It’s often used in contemporary, farmhouse, and rustic designs to add visual interest and architectural variety. It can be combined with other materials (like stone, brick, or horizontal siding) to create contrast and focal points.
Vertical lines also naturally draw the eye upward, making structures appear taller and more stately.
Easier to Clean
Because rainwater flows more naturally along vertical panels, it tends to rinse off dirt and debris more effectively than horizontal siding. Horizontal siding can trap water and debris between laps, whereas vertical siding sheds water more efficiently. Better water runoff can also help prevent mold and mildew growth over time.
If you do go horizontal, choose seamless. It is highly resistant to mold and mildew and there is nowhere for water or debris to collect.
Maintenance-Friendly (With Proper Installation)
While initial installation can be more complex, long-term maintenance is often easier due to the factors above (cleanliness, drainage, mold resistance). Seamless metal vertical siding is even easier to maintain and can last 50 years or more (more on that below).
What Options Are There For Vertical Siding?
There are a few styles of vertical siding to choose from, each with a different look and options for materials:
Board and Batten
Perhaps the most iconic vertical siding style, board and batten consists of wide vertical boards (typically 6″-12″) with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams. The look is both classic and modern at once, with clean lines and a bit of texture from the batten. They can be made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, and steel.
Vertical Panel Siding
Also known as panel siding, this style uses large, continuous panels that run vertically from top to bottom. They can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, and steel. Vertical panels can be large, which gives the exterior a more industrial look.
Tongue and Groove Vertical Siding
This traditional wood-style siding has interlocking boards that fit together for a tight seal. They have historically been made from cedar or pine wood, but they are also available in PVC and other materials designed to mimic wood.
Channel Groove (Reverse Board & Batten)
This is similar to board and batten but in reverse—the “batten” becomes the recessed part of the profile. It’s a more subtle look but still maintains the more modern aesthetic of traditional board and batten. These panels are typically only available in vinyl or wood, which means they will require more maintenance and repair.
Seamless Vertical Steel Panels
These panels are custom-cut to the height of the wall for a completely seamless appearance. The aesthetic is smooth and crisp, and the maintenance is virtually nonexistent (more on the benefits of steel below).
What Material Is Best for Vertical Siding
When it comes to performance, customizability, ease of maintenance, and longevity, steel is hands down the best choice for any siding, vertical or horizontal. This is for a few reasons:
Durability That Outperforms Most Materials
Seamless steel siding is incredibly strong, making it one of the most resilient siding materials available.
- Weather & Impact Resistance: Seamless steel handles extreme weather—hail, high winds, heavy snow, and intense sun—without cracking, warping, or fading. ABC Seamless of Nebraska uses galvanized, 28 gauge steel for unmatched durability.
- Fire Resistance: Being non-combustible, steel adds a layer of fire safety that many other materials can’t match.
Seamless Design Means No Weak Spots
When used for vertical siding, seamless steel panels offer continuous coverage from top to bottom.
- No Seams = Fewer Leak Points: Did you know that vinyl siding on the average home has 150 seams? That’s a worrying number of entry points for moisture and debris. Seamless vertical siding leaves no room for this, which means you won’t have any surprise water or mold damage. There’s also no weak spot for pests to sneak through.
- No Warping or Buckling: The absence of seams reduces expansion/contraction issues often seen with vinyl or aluminum, which means less chance of unsightly warping or buckling.
Extremely Low Maintenance
Steel siding doesn’t rot, crack, or get eaten by pests—and seamless design makes upkeep even easier.
- No Repainting Required: Seamless steel siding comes with factory-applied coatings (like Kynar 500® or SMP paint systems) that resist fading and chalking.
- Easy to Clean: Dirt and debris rinse off easily, and since there are no seams, there’s less buildup of grime in crevices.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Seamless steel siding is often made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at end of life.
- Long Lifespan = Less Waste: Its durability reduces the need for replacements, helping to keep waste out of landfills.
- Energy Efficiency: Some steel siding systems come with built-in insulation options, improving energy performance.
Bold, Modern Aesthetic
The smooth, clean lines of seamless steel panels look especially sharp when applied vertically.
- Architectural Appeal: Vertical seamless panels create a strong visual rhythm and upscale modern-farmhouse or industrial feel.
- Tailored Lengths: Panels are cut to the exact height of your walls, ensuring a clean, custom look with no horizontal breaks.
- Customizable: At ABC Seamless Of Nebraska, you’ll be able to choose from over 27 colors and 15 styles so you can choose the perfect look for your home.
Is Vertical Siding More Difficult to Install?
Yes, vertical siding can entail a more precise installation process than horizontal siding, since even the slightest mis-alignment can be far more noticeable in vertical orientation. Additional steps, like backer boards or furring strips, may be needed to ensure a completely flat surface.
Seamless metal vertical siding also requires specialized equipment and hand-cutting of panels on site. This is why it should always be installed by a professional.
Steel Siding Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island
Ready to transform your home with durable, low-maintenance vertical siding? ABC Seamless of Nebraska offers top-tier steel siding options that combine beauty, strength, and long-term value. Contact us for a free quote and see how vertical siding can elevate your home’s exterior.
